Chapter 146
The climate of the northern territory was both serene and harsh.
Pure white blanketed the land, and the biting cold connected shards of ice together.
At least there was no wind blowing, so they could proceed at a leisurely pace.
'Has the weather gotten a lot better?'
Alter recalled the memories of the past and suddenly became aware of it anew.
Normally, there should be at least some snow falling, and occasionally, fierce winds should batter the land.
Yet, the northern territory remained more stagnant than ever, basked in gentle sunlight.
'If this all happened after the Frost Witch disappeared...'
Alter recalled the war fought in the northern territory and soon found himself reasonably convinced.
The Frost Witch had stolen the power of a dragon through certain means, and had continuously worsened the northern climate.
Since that power originally came from Tiksa the Frostbane, it seemed only natural that it would be indirectly related.
'They must have repelled monsters with the power of the dragon all this time.'
Indeed, it was only after the Frost Witch was subjugated that countless enemies invaded the frontiers.
Presumably, as the power of the dragon weakened, monsters had been unleashed.
Of course, since both he and Brillie had stepped forward and annihilated them directly, it was fair to say the root of the calamity had been destroyed.
'It's become peaceful, but... it's still not really a place fit for people to live in.'
Alter still harbored an aversion to the northern territory.
It felt as if the cold that had tormented him for so long was suddenly returning.
On top of that, it was also the place where his mother passed away, so even nostalgia for his hometown faded away.
'Even if I become the Northern Grand Duke, things would only get complicated.'
Alter did not wish to cling to the authority of the Northern Grand Duke.
If he were to reach for that title, he would have to give up so many other things instead.
He already had plenty now—was there any need to get entangled in desires?
'There's nothing good about both husband and wife holding titles. We'd live in different places, and managing things would just get cumbersome.'
If more power were given to them, those who tried to keep them in check would only increase.
There's no way to travel back and forth between the capital and the northern territory every time, and as the supreme commander of the northern forces, he couldn't neglect defensive duties.
Above all, if he wanted to live comfortably, he had to set down burdensome responsibilities.
'I don't want to make things uncomfortable for Brillie...'
"There's not much different here. I suppose that's just how the northern territory is?"
"It's a place full of snow and ice. Even so, it seems much better than before."
"Really? I can't really tell."
"It's gotten a bit warmer. There isn't much snow anymore... even the wind just passes by briefly."
"Now that you mention it, you're right. It used to be really cold."
"It was probably because of the Frost Witch. They say there are fewer monsters now, so hasn't it become a bit more peaceful?"
"Hmm... But it still feels a bit strange. Could things really change this much, just because of the Frost Witch?"
"It helps to think of her as similar to a dragon. Didn't the great mage, the Sword Saint, and the holy apostle go on a campaign to subjugate the Frost Witch?"
"I'm not sure if she was really as strong as a dragon... but perhaps you're right."
Though Brillie was skeptical, she soon accepted that answer.
In fact, the outcome proved it; with his own swordsmanship, Alter had cut down the very source of the Frost Witch.
It fit together too neatly for it simply to be considered coincidence.
"It's thanks to your help, Brillie, that things turned out this way."
"It was nothing. I just swung my sword, after all."
"Didn't you spend sleepless nights slaughtering monsters? That's not something anyone can do."
"But I couldn't just run away. Others were watching..."
"I know. You kept your manners for my sake, didn't you?"
Brillie exhaled and gazed out over the snowy plains.
Surely, this weather was difficult to adapt to, but as a swordsman, she could endure it.
Yet for Alter, this kind of environment must have been rather distressing.
"... Alter."
"Yes."
"Even if you get a chance, you said you wouldn't become the Northern Grand Duke, right?"
"Wouldn't that be better for you, Brillie?"
"But still, it's the Northern Grand Duke, isn't it? Wouldn't you regret it, even a little?"
"I want to stay in the capital with you, Brillie. If I become the Northern Grand Duke, I'll just lose more. There's nothing to be regretful for."
"If anything, I suppose I'd have to give up my title? I'd have to live in the northern territory and couldn't leave the castle. Sometimes there'd even be battles, and there'd definitely be inconveniences, right?"
"That's probably how it would turn out."
"The most troublesome thing would be the half-siblings, right? If you fight over the title, one side has to die."
"That's right. I'd have to face that risk, too."
"Hmmm..."
As always, Brillie respected Alter's opinion.
Although the Grand Duke's rank was higher than that of a duke, considering the influence of House Illenat's dukedom, it would be hard to say the position was inferior.
Therefore, the reason to inherit the Grand Duke's title instead of the duke's grew faint.
"Realistically, for a single Grand Duke Title, I'd have to give up everything I already have. You'd suffer losses too, Brillie. On top of that, we'd have to get embroiled in internal strife with siblings— is that worth it?"
"That's true. There really is a lot to lose."
"That's why, this time, I plan to ask Father about this matter. I should bring things to a quiet conclusion."
"All right. I won't say anything."
Brillie replied coolly, lost in thought.
Most likely, the Northern Grand Duke had a similar perspective regarding the heir.
If so, he'd likely want to pass the Grand Duke's title to the eldest son or the second daughter.
'Even if I am the legitimate son, I can't be forced into the position of head of house.'
* * *
Marchen sensed that the time had finally come.
On the contrary, it felt so late that she could be certain.
Just as her youngest sibling was scheduled to visit, she thought, perhaps they would make the announcement soon.
'They won't choose Alter, will they? That can't happen.'
Marchen was still wary of her youngest sibling.
He had achieved remarkable feats in the northern war and had even drawn the attention of both soldiers and residents.
Even the closest knights and advisors acknowledged his skill, so it was inevitable that succession to the title should be mentioned.
'Even if he is the next great mage, he hasn't contributed much to our house.'
One could not evaluate the qualifications for Northern Grand Duke through might alone.
Skillful leadership, mastery of tactics, strict management of supply and specialty product transports, and dignified authority and refinement as head of the grand duke's house—all these were needed.
By comparison, her youngest sibling only showed shortcomings.
'With House Illenat's dukedom already in place, why would the title be given elsewhere?'
Her youngest sibling's wife had already spread her name wide as the Sword Flower and was chosen as the duke's successor.
If her youngest sibling were selected as the next head, controversy would inevitably erupt.
Their father surely recognized that fact and would likely choose another child.
'Alter only needs to stay as he is. He could still be of help even now.'
Of course, it would be unwise to expect too much.
In the first place, Alter had always been a pawn for political marriage and was often alienated within the family.
Perhaps, in secret, he nursed resentment and coveted the head's position.
'He used to seem as if he'd die any moment, but I never imagined he'd become the next great mage.'
No one would have predicted such a result.
He had always seemed only the legitimate wife's son and a useless child.
If he were awarded the title of great mage, his name would go down in the grand duke's history.
'Isn't it enough to stop there? Does he need to covet the position of head too?'
Even as Marchen considered the realistic conditions, she couldn't find peace of mind.
She couldn't predict not only her youngest sibling, but also her father's intent.
Since there was always a possibility, she felt herself growing agitated for no reason.
'It may be hard for older brother... but with Alter, they'd have grounds to justify it.'
Marchen had been secretly amassing her own forces.
It was, of course, a forbidden act and one motivated by her own ambition.
But she couldn't just stand by and endure, so she had to prepare suitable countermeasures.
'The Emperor ascended after killing his siblings. If he could do it, so can I.'
Of course, in the current Emperor's case, numerous nobles and officials supported the rebellion.
Unlike that, Marchen would have to seize the Grand Duke's title with her limited forces.
Furthermore, persuading her closest knights and advisors would take a heavy toll.
'I don't really want to do this either. But... what other choice is there?'
Marchen offered herself weak excuses.
In truth, what she was planning was little different from overthrowing her family for the title.
Nevertheless, she could not turn away from her desire or her will to rise above.
'I have to become the Northern Grand Duke. After all that I've done for the family, isn't it time?'
She had more than enough ability, and had devoted herself to the house to this day.
Yet, if they would not grant her the title, it would be only natural for her to feel wronged.
If she was to be cast aside, perhaps she had no choice but to fight to the death.
'It was mine from the beginning. That's only right. If it's going to be stolen... then rather—'
* * *
Alter sat across from Zair in silence.
The teacup had long since gone cold, and from time to time, the crackling sound of logs burning could be heard.
Zair gazed up at the empty air for a while before belatedly opening his mouth.
"... Do you wish to become the Northern Grand Duke?"
"I do not. And I should not."
"Is it because of your siblings?"
"It will not pass quietly. I would have to give up too much, and must we truly go this far?"
"You're worried because of the current Emperor, aren't you?"
"..."
Alter hesitated for a moment, then fell silent.
Zair tacitly acknowledged that answer and spoke again.
"You might be afraid of having to kill your own siblings. Of course, you must also consider the reverse."
"..."
"In your position, the losses outweigh the gains. You'd have to relinquish almost everything you've gained in the capital. Even as head of house, I would reach a similar conclusion."
"Does this mean you have already decided?"
"I had intended to decide after hearing your thoughts. But you are also qualified, aren't you?"
Of course, Zair had to some degree anticipated Alter's intentions.
Most likely, he would want to live in the capital with his wife and solidify his position as great mage.
If his wife succeeded to the ducal title as well, they could live even more comfortably.
Therefore, even the authority of the Northern Grand Duke had become meaningless to Alter.
"... Now that it's come to this, I would like to ask for your help."
"How can I help you?"
"Before I choose an heir, I need to confirm their true nature. If it's you, you can do that well."